Marketplace Roundup

MARKETING WEEK reported Carlsberg is set to launch a US$48M World Cup-themed marketing campaign, the beer brand's "biggest single year investment, as it looks to leverage its sponsorship of the England national team." Carlsberg will "launch television, digital and point of sale activity in the build to this June's World Cup in South Africa." The six-month "Teamtalk" campaign "calls on fans to deliver a team talk to the England team." Speeches "can be sent by video or text message or at Premier League grounds and supermarkets, which will be visited by a branded tour bus." A "dedicated YouTube channel will show selected team talks." In addition, more than 2.5 million promotional Carlsberg packs "will be seen in-store from February" (MARKETINGWEEK.co.uk, 1/25).

Nadal Has Received Some Criticism For The Bright Orange Shirt He Wore This Week

CAUSING A RACQUET: In L.A., Diane Pucin wrote tennis player Rafael Nadal during the Australian Open this week wore a "form-fitting bright-orange shirt that has gotten some criticism for being borderline bizarre, but at least on high-definition television, it looks great" (LATIMES.com, 1/25)....Prince Racquets offered tennis player Nikolay Davydenko a contract, and Davydenko said the deal was "just for Grand Slam." He added, "Because it's [a] big tournament, I think for Prince it's ... okay" (COWBELL.TYPEPAD.com, 1/25).

WRONG SHOE SIZE: In L.A., Broderick Turner reported "something has caused Ron Artest to develop plantar fasciitis in both feet," and Lakers coach Phil Jackson "believes that something might be the shoes" Artest wears. Artest has a shoe-endorsement deal with China-based apparel company Peak, and Jackson said, "Those shoes look like they are made for the Hudson River. ... He looks like he's clogging around out there" (L.A. TIMES, 1/25). But Artest replied, "Coach Phil Jackson made a statement that my shoes are the reason my feet were hurting. He has no evidence. I love my shoe company. Peak” (TWITTER.com, 1/25).

WELCOME ABOARD: The PGA Tour is announcing today that it signed five new retail licensing partners: Soffe active sportswear; Barrington Gifts of Distinction, a manufacturer of business and event gifts; specialty cookie maker Unibic; Tumi, an international brand of premium travel, business and lifestyle accessories; and Accessory Network Group, a maker of high-end luggage and travel accessories (Jon Show, SportsBusiness Journal).